1.
Basic Computer Organisation
🔹 Introduction to Computer System
A computer system is an integrated combination of hardware and software designed to input,
process, store, and output data.
Basic Computer Organization
Computer organization refers to the logical structure of a computer describing how its
components are connected to one another, how they affect one another’s functioning
and contribute to overall performance of the computer.
🔹 Hardware
These are physical parts of the computer system.
Examples:
● Keyboard: Used to type data.
● Monitor: Displays the output.
● CPU: Processes data.
● Printer: Prints documents.
● Hard Disk: Stores data.
🔹 Software
Software refers to a set of instructions or programs that enable the hardware to perform tasks.
Example:
MS Word software allows users to create and edit documents using the hardware (keyboard,
mouse, monitor).
🔹 Input Devices
Devices used to provide data and instructions to the computer.
Examples:
● Keyboard: To type text.
● Mouse: To point, click, and drag.
● Scanner: To convert a physical document into digital form.
● Microphone: To input audio.
● Webcam: To capture images and video.
● Touch Screen :Allows users to interact directly with what is displayed using fingers or a
stylus.
● Barcode Reader :Scans and inputs data from barcodes.
● Biometric Devices:Inputs based on physical characteristics like fingerprint, facial
recognition, or iris scan.
● OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Converts printed or handwritten text into digital
form that a computer can read.(eg: Digitizing books, reading number plated )
● MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition): Reads text printed with magnetic ink,
typically used for numbers and special characters.( Banking industry, especially for
processing cheques.).
● OMR (Optical Mark Recognition): Detects marks made on paper forms (e.g., bubbles or
checkboxes). ( Exams, Survey & polls).
🔹 Output Devices
Devices that provide the results of processed data to the user.
Examples:
● Monitor: Displays text, images, videos.
● Printer: Prints output on paper.
● Speakers: Output audio.
● Projector: Enlarges display for presentations.
🔹 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU is the brain of the computer where most calculations and processing happen.
Components:
● ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs all arithmetic (+, −, *, /) and logical (AND, OR, NOT)
operations.
Example: 8 + 4 = 12, check if a > b.
● Control Unit: Directs the flow of data and instructions between CPU, memory, and I/O
devices.
● Registers: Small memory storage units inside CPU used to store intermediate data.
🔹 Memory Types
a) Primary Memory
● RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is the temporary working memory of a computer.
It stores data and instructions that the CPU (Central Processing Unit) needs right now
or very soon. It helps your system run faster and handle multiple tasks at once.
Feature Description
Volatile Data is lost when power is off
Temporary storage Stores active programs and data currently in use
Fast Much faster than permanent storage like hard
drives
Read and write CPU can read from and write to RAM easily
Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM) are two main types of Random Access
Memory (RAM) used in computers. SRAM is faster and more expensive, typically used for
cache memory, while DRAM is slower but cheaper and used as the main system
memory.
● ROM (Read Only Memory): ROM is a permanent storage memory that contains essential
instructions required to start a computer, like the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The
data in ROM is written during the manufacturing process and usually cannot be modified
(or only with special processes).
Types of ROM:
Type Description
ROM Original read-only memory, permanently
written by the manufacturer.
PROM (Programmable ROM) Can be written once after manufacturing
using a special device.
EPROM (Erasable PROM) Can be erased using UV light and
reprogrammed.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Can be erased and rewritten electrically,
PROM) used in modern BIOS.
Use Case Example
Booting the system Stores BIOS/UEFI firmware in PCs and laptops
Embedded systems Washing machines, microwave ovens, smart TVs
Microcontrollers Used in Arduino, sensors, and automation devices
Gaming consoles Stores firmware and game software in cartridges
Medical devices ROM contains predefined instructions for operations
b) Cache Memory
● Faster than RAM, located inside or near the CPU, stores frequently used data.
Example: If a web page is opened repeatedly, cache stores it for faster loading.
c) Secondary Memory
● Permanent storage.
● Examples:
○ Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
○ Solid State Drive (SSD)
○ Pen Drive (USB)
○ CD/DVD
🔹 Units of Memory
Unit Full Form Example
Bit Binary Digit (0 or 1) Smallest unit of data
Byte 8 bits Stores 1 character: 'A' = 01000001
KB Kilobyte = 1024 Bytes A short email
MB Megabyte = 1024 KB A photo or short song
GB Gigabyte = 1024 MB A full movie (approx. 2 GB)
TB Terabyte = 1024 GB Large storage drives
PB Petabyte = 1024 TB Used in data centers
2. Types of Software
🔹 System Software
Controls hardware and provides a platform to run applications.
a) Operating System (OS)
Manages hardware and software resources.
Examples:
● Windows 10
● Linux Ubuntu
● macOS
● Android (mobile)
b) System Utilities
Helps maintain the computer.
Examples:
● Disk Cleanup (to delete temporary files)
● Antivirus Software (e.g., Norton, Quick Heal)
● Backup software (e.g., Acronis)
c) Device Drivers
Helps the OS communicate with hardware.
Examples:
● Printer driver (HP printer)
● Graphics card driver (NVIDIA)
● Sound card driver (Realtek)
🔹 Programming Tools & Language Translators
a) Assembler
Translates assembly language to machine code.
● Example: Used in embedded systems.
b) Compiler
Translates high-level language to machine code all at once.
● Example: GCC compiler for C programs
c) Interpreter
Translates and executes code line-by-line.
● Example: Python interpreter
Feature Compiler Interpreter
Definition A compiler translates the entire An interpreter translates
source code into machine code at and executes the source
once before execution. code line by line.
Execution Faster (program runs quickly after Slower (translates each
Speed compilation). line during execution).
Error Shows all errors together after Shows one error at a
Detection compilation. time (stops when an
error occurs).
Output Creates a separate executable Does not create an
file (e.g., .exe). executable file.
Used By Languages like C, C++, Java (uses Languages like Python,
both). JavaScript, Ruby.
Memory Uses more memory during Uses less memory, but
Usage compilation. may take more time.
Example C program is compiled using gcc. Python code is
interpreted using a
python interpreter.
🔹 Application Software
Used to perform specific tasks.
a) General Purpose Software
● MS Word: Word processing
● MS Excel: Spreadsheets and charts
● Google Chrome: Web browsing
b) Specialized Software
● Tally: Accounting
● AutoCAD: Designing buildings
● Photoshop: Image editing
c) Custom Software
Developed for specific organization needs.
● Example: School Management Software (used only in a specific school)
3. Operating System (OS)
🔹 Functions of Operating System
Function Explanation Example
Memory Allocates memory to OS manages how Excel and
Management processes Chrome use RAM
Process Handles running programs OS switches between playing
Management music and browsing
File Organizes and controls file OS helps locate and save files in
Management access folders
Device Controls I/O devices using OS lets you use a printer via its
Management drivers driver
Security Protects system from Login password, firewall
unauthorized access
User Interface Lets users interact with the GUI (Windows), CLI (Linux
system terminal)
🔹 User Interface Types
a) Command Line Interface (CLI)
● Text-based.
● Users type commands.
● Examples: MS-DOS, Linux Terminal
b) Graphical User Interface (GUI)
● User interacts using windows, icons, buttons.
● Examples: Windows OS, macOS, Android
Example Comparison:
● In CLI, to open a folder, you might type cd Documents.
● In GUI, you simply double-click the folder.
